America’s energy landscape continues to shift under President Trump’s second term, and developments of just the past few days underscore a pragmatic pivot in U.S. energy policy. From Alaska’s oil fields to Illinois’ nuclear reactors, the focus is clear: energy security, economic growth, and cutting through the climate alarm-driven fog of the past administration. A pair of major developments this week paint a clear picture of some of the ways Trump administration energy policies are reinvigorating the domestic energy space without more economically ruinous federal spending.
First, the Trump administration’s move to reopen 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) for oil and gas leasing is a gut punch to the Biden-era eco-orthodoxy. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, called it a return to “balance” after a 2024 rule locked up half the 23-million-acre reserve.
Climate-alarm conflict groups like Earthjustice are predictably apoplectic, warning of climate doom. “By proposing to repeal these science-based regulations, the Trump administration aims to grease the skids for oil companies intent on industrializing even the most sensitive areas in the Western Arctic in pursuit of dirty oil that can have no place in our energy future,” Earthjustice Attorney Erik Grafe said in a release. “The administration should be working to develop a post-oil future for the region, not paving the way for outdated, destructive oil development.”
But native Alaskans living in the state’s Arctic North Slope region take a different view. “Today’s decision by the BLM is another important milestone in our effort to advance our Iñupiaq self-determination on our North Slope homelands,” said Nagruk Harcharek, President of Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat (VOICE). “It underscores what VOICE has always known and argued in court on behalf of our 21 member organizations: that the Biden administration’s 2023 rule affecting our NPR-A lands is deeply flawed and poses significant risks to our communities, economy, and culture. We applaud this development and look forward to collaborative engagement with the federal government and Congress about durable policies that support North Slope Iñupiat self-determination.”
Republican Alaska Representative Mike Begich agreed with VOICE, saying, “This decision is a major victory for Alaska and for every American who believes in energy independence and the rule of law,” said Congressman Begich. “The 2024 restrictions in the NPR-A were imposed with no serious consideration provided to those who work and live in the region and in clear violation of the law – hindering Alaska’s right to responsibly develop our resources.”
The required regulatory process means drilling isn’t imminent, but this signals Trump’s intent to unleash domestic fossil fuels. In a world where China and India still burn coal like it’s 1999, exploiting America’s massive oil and gas resources are a strategic necessity, not a sin.
Meanwhile, a blockbuster deal in Illinois signals an accelerating recovery in the nuclear power industry, focused on fueling AI datacenters. Constellation Energy inked a 20-year pact with Meta to supply 1,121 megawatts from the Clinton Clean Energy Center, powering Meta’s AI data centers starting in 2027. Extending Clinton’s life beyond Illinois’ expiring Zero Emission Credit program, adding 30 megawatts, and saving 1,100 jobs, this market-driven deal proves nuclear can thrive without heavy-handed mandates. It’s a model for keeping reliable, carbon-free power online while tech giants like Meta drive demand through the roof. It is probably no coincidence that this deal comes 10 days after President Trump signed 4 executive orders to jump-start the U.S. nuclear industry in a signing ceremony attended by Constellation CEO Joseph Dominguez and other industry executives.
These stories reveal a U.S. energy policy recalibrating toward pragmatism and strategic positioning. Trump’s team is betting on oil, gas, and nuclear to keep America’s economy humming while trimming the fat from bloated green programs. The NPR-A decision draws a line in the sand: energy security trumps ideology. Meanwhile, Constellation’s deal with Meta reveals a willingness to embrace clean energy; not with more subsidies, but on market terms.
The message is clear: America needs power that works, not intermittently or when the weather is right, but 24 hours every day, 365 days a year, and the Trump agenda is focused on restoring American Dominance in those forms of energy. In a world of rising demand and geopolitical chess, it’s the logical strategic imperative.
David Blackmon is an energy writer and consultant based in Texas. He spent 40 years in the oil and gas business, where he specialized in public policy and communications.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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